Agediga Bags First Delta Ijaw Comrade Community Exemplary Leadership Award, As Pondi, Mulade, Edema, Amgbaduba, Naingba, Others Eulogizes Shedrack As A Perfect Gentleman

Agediga Bags First Delta Ijaw Comrade Community Exemplary Leadership Award, As Pondi, Mulade, Edema, Amgbaduba, Naingba, Others Eulogizes Shedrack As A Perfect Gentleman

Francis Tayor

Warri____ The Executive Director of Planning, Research and Statistics (PRS) in the Board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (DEDESOPADEC), Amb. Comrade Shedrack Agediga has bagged to himself the first ever brown new Delta Ijaw Comrade Community Exemplary Leadership Award in recognition of his philanthropic, selfless and humanitarian services to humanity across the Niger Delta, Nigeria and beyond.

The epoch making event took place at the weekend in Warri, attracted so many dignitaries including; the member representing Burutu Federal Constituency at National Assembly, Rt Hon. Julius Pondi, who doubles as the Chairman of the event, a renowned global peace ambassador cum rights activist, Amb Comr. Sheriff Mulade, who was the guest speaker at the event, the Commissioner for Oil and Gas Delta State, Chief Emman Amgbaduba, the Chairman PDP Delta South, Chief Dr. Julius Takeme, the National President Ijaw Women Connect, Comrade Rosemary Naingba who was the Mother of the Day, Apostle Godspower Tomone, Hon. Tom Willy, Hon. Benike Joseph, the management of DESOPADEC Board, Ogulagha youth body, NABLOGS, the Press among other personalities too numerous to mentioned.

Addressing the gathering, the Chairman Central working Committee of Delta ljaw Comrade Community 2019 Maiden Symposium, Comrade Austin Ozobo appreciated everyone present to witness the occasion. He stressed that Amb. Agediga has distinguished himself from among leaders in the Niger Delta to be honoured by Delta Ijaw Comrade Community today. This award is not political neither monetary, rather it is based on Agediga kind gesture and humanitarian services to the less privileged ones in our society over the years. More persons would be recognized in our subsequent edition according to your leadership style, and how many lives you have affected positively with your God given wealths in the society. Once more, l thank you all for coming and make yourselves comfortable for the rest of the programme, Comr Ozobo stated.

Presenting the award on behalf of the group, a federal lawmaker, RT. Hon. Julius Pondi, said ” You are being given this award due to your Sterling track record on peaceful activism in developing humanity and campaign for good governance. You have touched lives in different shades and on behalf of the Delta State Ijaw Comrades family, I present this plaque to you to say thank you and to encourage you to do more to help humanity and mankind” he said.

In his response, Amb. Shedrack Agediga expressed shock over his choice by his brothers for the award. He noted that the award would encourage him to work harder by defending the truth and justice at all level through peaceful, tactical and proactive developmental agitation.

He admonished the members of the Delta State Ijaw comrade family to work harder, be proactive and objective in their agitation to help the Ijaw nation to a greater heights.

He charged them to always take their education seriously by preparing themselves academically enough to wait for opportunities, saying that modern day activism needs a well equipped and sound education to be able to tackle with the modem day challenges.

On his part, while delivering his lecture, the Guest Speaker at the event, Comrade Amb. Sheriff Mulade charged Ijaw youths to be engaged in education, saying education is the key to break the yoke of poverty, ignorance and under development. He thanked the organisers for the maiden day Ijaw symposium to address critical areas affecting the nation with the attendant challenges in Niger Delta.

He expressed displeasure of the number of Ijaw students who aspire to obtain Msc, PH.D and professorial titles. According to him, in other parts of Nigeria, Msc, PH.D holders are rampart which give the regions upper edge ahead of Ijaw nation.

He admonished Ijaws to stop the pull him down syndrome and always support one another just as the Ijaw comrades giving honour to their elder brother Amb. Shradrack Agediga in order to encourage him to do more in his capacity to help mankind and service to humanity.

In their Goodwill messages, Chairman of the occasion, Rt.Hon. Julius Pondi, Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Chief. Emman Amgbaduba, Comrade Rosemary Graham Naingba, President Ijaw Connect, Hon. Barr. John Nani have extolled the virtues of the recipient  as they described him as a perfect gentleman of uprightness, dogged fighter and above all a God fearing man who uses his God given talents and wealths to better the society through activism and service to mankind, the statement adds.

Governor Okowa's Aide Ezekiel Charges Deltans On Peaceful Yuletide Season, Visits Zone 5 AIG Yakadi On Security Alert And Intelligence Gathering

Governor Okowa's Aide Ezekiel Charges Deltans On Peaceful Yuletide Season, Visits Zone 5 AIG Yakadi On Security Alert And Intelligence Gathering

Francis Tayor

Benin____ The Senior Special Assistant on security matters to the governor of Delta State, Comrade Ezekiel Pere Daniel has charged Deltans to be peaceful during and after the festive season, stressing that His Excellency, Sen Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa is a man whose love for peace is second to non.

The SSA give the charge in Benin on Friday 20th, December 2019, during a working visit to the Assistant lnspector General of police (AIG), in charge of Zone 5, Mr. Dibal Yakadi on security alert. He noted that the visit was to commend the police boss and his men for their good works in the fight against crime, especially kidnapping, cultism and other social vices within the three states under his jurisdiction.

Comrade Ezekiel further stated that his office has come to collaborate with Zone 5 in the areas of intelligence gathering, as well as to tap from his wealth of experience in the security business. He said there cannot be good governance and meaningful development without peace in our society, hence my office will work in synergy with your office to ensure every criminal elements are flush out from their hideouts across Delta State during and after this festive season, the statement adds.

In his response, AIG Yakadi thank SSA for finding out time from his tight schedules to visit him in Edo State in order to brainstorm on security matters, which according to him is everybody business. The police chief equally give kudos to Delta State Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Sen. lfeanyi Okowa for appointing a vibrant and intelligent young man like Ezekiel into his government, which he described as a rare gesture that worths commendation.

In his words, he said; " Since l resume office in Zone 5, you are the first government appointee  to visit me. I urged you not to relent in your effort to ensure crime free society in Delta. My office has put in a lot of proactive measures across the zone, especially in this yuletide season to keep criminals at bay. We are servants of the people, our numbers are always available to the public. Call us anytime in emergency situation, our men are on ground to respond immediately. I am ready to work with your office, feel free to reach on me at any point in time for collaboration, AIG Yakadi stated."

However, climax of the meeting was presentation of award  to Comrade Ezekiel in honour of his proactiveness and contributions to the Delta State government in preaching peace across the State.

Again, Amb. Agediga Sets To Receive Exemplary Leadership Award Tomorrow In Warri, As Pondi, Askia, Mulade, Amgbaduba, Asupa, Others To Storm The Event

Again, Amb. Agediga Sets To Receive Exemplary Leadership Award Tomorrow In Warri, As Pondi, Askia, Mulade, Amgbaduba, Asupa, Others To Storm The Event

Francis Tayor

Warri____ All is now set for the big day tomorrow as the Executive Director, Planning, Research and Statistics in the board of Delta State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission, DESOPADEC, Amb Comr. Shedrack Agediga is to be honoured with Exemplary leadership Award by Delta ljaw Comrade Community for his philanthropic works to humanity over the years.

The event which was earlier announced as strictly by invitation is now open to everybody who is interested to attend. The venue of the programme is taking place at Education Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society Limited Hall, Emebiren Street along Deco road Warri, by 12:p.m.

According to the organizing committee Chairman of the programme, Comrade Austin Ozobo, said the Deputy Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Dcn. Kingsley Burutu Otuaro and Hon. Bashorun Askia Ogieh, (MD DESOPADEC) will be the Special Guests of honour. While Hon. Julius Pondi, the member House Reps representing Burutu Federal Constituency will be the Chairman of the occasion.

The statement adds that there shall be a Symposium with the theme “Transparency, Social Inclusion and mentorship as fundamentals of good leadership: The Shedrack Agediga Example.”

He further stressed that, a renowned global peace ambassador cum environmental human rights activist, Amb Comr. Sheriff Mulade will be the guest speaker at the event. While His Royal Majesty, King Elder Capt. Joseph Timiyan JP, the Ebenanawei of Ogulagha Kingdom in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State will be the royal father of the day.

Other dignitaries expected to grace the occasion includes; Delta State Commisioner for youth development, Commisioner for Oil and Gas, Commissioner for information, all Delta State Ijaw House of Assembly members, as well as all ethnic group commissioners. The programme is now open to everybody who is interested to attend the epoch making event tomorrow.

SPDC Flow Station Shuts Down In Burutu, As Host Community Ojobo Demands Light, Scholarship, Contracts, Employment, Other Benefits

SPDC Flow Station Shuts Down In Burutu, As Host Community Ojobo Demands Light, Scholarship, Contracts, Employment, Other Benefits

Francis Tayor

Warri____ Residents of Ojobo community in Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, on Thursday 19th December, 2019 shutdown Beneside Flow station operated by Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) as a way of protest to implement their demands.

The protesters, some of whom were half-naked dressed women in their hundreds stormed the facility in speed boats and wooden canoes in the early hours of yesterday and stationed themselves on available spaces on the twin houseboats meant for staff of the flow station.

This act followed expiration of a 48hours ultimatum given to SPDC to address issues contained in a pre-existing General Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) the company entered with the community.

Addressing newsmen at the scene of the protest, spokesperson for the protesters, Prince Doubra Baro, demanded an immediate take-off of a Community Interdependency Electrification Project (CIEP – Gas Turbine), which, according to him the community and SPDC mutually agreed upon and signed under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in 2001.
“We are demanding for the immediate release of the GMoU fund which is being withheld by a popular bank in connivance with SPDC.

We also demand that SPDC should revisit and implement its abandoned legacy projects as well as the immediate employment opportunities for Ojobo indigenes into SPDC at all levels which has been denied since 1971, and that EMVAL and any other subsidiary company currently operating or working at Benisede Flow Station should stop forthwith and there should be no further award of contracts to non-indigenous contractors at Benisede”, he added.

The community demanded an explanation as to when, how and where the purported June 2005 Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Final Report of Benisede Catchment Area Field Development Plan (FDP) Phase II was carried out, a demand that due royalties are paid to Ojobo community for the illegal Horizontal Drilling at Osuopele Oil Field (OML 46) since its discovery in 1977.

Further demand by the community, “Educationally, we ask that specific scholarship quota be given to Ojobo Community indigenes that are in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, that the Tenancy Agreement between Ojobo Community and SPDC in 1971 be renegotiated for fairness, equity and justice, and that indigenous company owners be allowed to register with SPDC.”
Efforts to speak with the Community Relations Officer in charge of the flow station, proved abortive.

We Are Vindicated By The Disbandment Of NDDC Management Board By President Buhari, Says IYC President Oweilaemi Pereotubo

We Are Vindicated By The Disbandment Of NDDC Management Board By President Buhari, Says IYC President Oweilaemi Pereotubo

Francis Tayor

We wish to express our gratitude to Mr. President, H.E, Muhammadu Buhari for graciously looking into the concerns of Niger Delta people in terminating the NDDC Management Board allegedly constituted by Mr. President. There was no way that Board would stand the test of time given the litany of cases in Courts, contesting the legality of its composition.

In fact, the Board was illegally constituted because the enabling Act was not complied with. IYC and those agitating for the right thing to be done are vindicated. President Buhari should follow the law stricto sensu when reconstituting the Management Board. He should not allow politicians to mislead him into doing their fraudulent biddings.

The Interim Management Board, no doubt is the rightful body constituted as it stands now. President Buhari has just done what is fair and just to the Niger Delta people, especially those agitating that the NDDC Act Establishment should be complied with.

IYC uses this medium to congratulate the new IMC members and calls on them to pay contractors who have completely executed their projects. The Council also commend the MD of the IMC for supervising projects to ascertain their completion before making payments to the contractors. That is the step some previous board failed to carry out.

The Council further calls on the forensic auditors to dig very deeply into the management of the Commission since 2001 as directed by Mr. President. Whoever found culpable should be exposed accordingly.

IYC on its part has pledged to work with the forensic auditors, the IMC and the presidency to ensure that the rampant corruption in the Commission is tamed.

Signed:
Pereotubo Oweilaemi, Esq.,
President, IYC worldwide.

Burutu Insecurity: Nigeria Police Kill Four Suspected Notorious Sea Pirates Terrorising Delta And Bayelsa Creeks

Burutu Insecurity: Nigeria Police Kill Four Suspected Notorious Sea Pirates Terrorising Delta And Bayelsa Creeks

Francis Tayor

Warri_____ At least four suspected sea pirates have been shot dead by operatives of the Delta State Police Command.
The gunmen, who have been terrorizing residents of Burutu and neighbouring communities along the Delta creeks sharing boundary with Bayelsa state. The pirates were ambushed by the police crack team on Wednesday 18th December, 2019.

The State Police Command through the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Onome Onovwakpoyeya, confirmed the killing of the four unidentified gunmen. Onovwakpoyeya, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), disclosed that one of the gang members escaped with bullet wounds.
“Five of them were shot but four were gunned down. But one escaped with bullet wounds. Then the other four were rushed to the hospital. On the way, they died. They were unidentified pirates.”

It will interest you to note that, the suspected sea pirates were returning from an operation where they had ambushed passenger boats and dispossessed the occupants of their belongings before meeting their waterloo.

It was further gathered that a police crack team attached to the Delta State Government Waterways Security who were on patrol in the area were responsible for the killing of the hoodlums.
Over ten riverine communities along the Ramos River had been reportedly terrorized by the suspected pirates, who apart from stealing and kidnapping, rape their women.

Just ln: US House Of Reps Has Impeached Donald Trump For Abuse Of Power And Obstruction Of Justice, As Senate To Decides Final Position

Just ln: US House Of Reps Has Impeached Donald Trump For Abuse Of Power And Obstruction Of Justice, As Senate To Decides Final Position

Francis Tayor

Washington____The US President, Donald John Trump has been impeached by the House of Representatives for abuse of power, and obstruction of Justice.

The President is now at the mercy of the Senate whether it will ratify the impeachment votes of the lower house or stand it down.

The US Senate is dominated by members of the President's Republican's Party which gives him a little hope of escaping what he termed, an embarrassing impeachment.

If this scales through, Donald J. Trump would be the third American President to be removed from the US oval house, the White House.

President Donald Trump was impeached for abuse of power in a historic vote in the House of Representatives on Wednesday 18th December, 2019 setting up a Senate trial on removing him from office after three turbulent years.

By a 230 to 197 vote in the Democratic-majority House, the 45th US president becomes just the third occupant of the White House in American history to be impeached.

Democrats said they had “no choice” but to formally charge the Republican president, whose impeachment along stark party lines places an indelible stain on his record while driving a spike ever deeper into the US political divide.

“What is at risk here is the very idea of America,” said Adam Schiff, the lawmaker who headed the impeachment inquiry, ahead of the vote.
Trump will now stand trial in the Senate, where his Republicans hold a solid majority and are expected to exonerate him.

Senate Passes Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege Sponsored Bill Seeking For The Establishment Of Federal Polytechnic Orogun, Delta Into Law

Senate Passes Sen. Ovie Omo-Agege Sponsored Bill Seeking For The Establishment Of Federal Polytechnic Orogun, Delta Into Law

Francis Tayor

Abuja____ The Senate on
Wednesday 18th December, 2019 passed the bill establishing Federal Polytechnic, Orogun, Delta State into law pending the assent by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The Bill when signed by President Buhari, it would bring to existence the first conventional federal polytechnic to be established in Delta State.

The bill sponsored by the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, is titled “Federal Polytechnic, Orogun, Delta State (Establishment Etc.) Bill.”
The bill spent 10 weeks on the floor of the Senate, having been read for the first time on October 8, 2019.
Third Reading of the bill followed the consideration and adoption of the report of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND.

Presenting the report, Chairman of the panel, Senator Ahmad Babba Kaita said when established, the institution will not only satisfy the desires of admission seekers in the area but also reduce youth restiveness in the Niger Delta region.
In line with Section 58(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the bill will now be transmitted to the House of Representatives for concurrence and thereafter to the President for assent.

Atiku To Buhari, Stop Endangering The Future Of Nigerian Children With Unnecessary Debts, Endless Borrowing Will Lead To Endless Sorrowing

Atiku To Buhari, Stop Endangering The Future Of Nigerian Children With Unnecessary Debts, Endless Borrowing Will Lead To Endless Sorrowing

Francis Tayor

John Quincy Adams once said “there are two ways to conquer and enslave a nation. One is by the sword. The other is by debt.” He may have very well been referring to Nigeria of the last three years.

Barely two weeks ago, I warned during my Founder’s Day lecture at the American University of Nigeria, Yola, that Nigeria had taken almost as much foreign debt in the last three years, as she had taken in the thirty years before 2015 combined. Now that is frightening. And very true.

Frightening, not just because of the amount, but because after such unprecedented borrowing, we have emerged as the world headquarters for extreme poverty and the global capital for out of school children. It begs the question: what were the funds used for?

I have said it time and again. The business of government is too serious to be left in the hands of politicians. We must all ask questions because if they throw away the future, it is not going to be their future they are throwing away, it will be all our futures.

The fact that Nigeria currently budgets more money for debt servicing (₦2.7 trillion), than we do on capital expenditure (₦2.4 trillion) is already an indicator that we have borrowed more money than we can afford to borrow. And the thing is that debt servicing is not debt repayment. Debt servicing just means that we are paying the barest minimum allowable by our creditors.

And while spending 50% of our current revenue on debt servicing, this administration wants to take further loans of $29.6 billion! To say that this is irresponsible is itself an understatement.

As a businessman, one of the very first things I learnt is that you do not take loans except you are expanding your business. Even as an individual, when your income cannot fund your lifestyle, you are challenged to grow your income, not your borrowings.

Even if this administration borrows $1 trillion, it will never be enough because their challenge is one of capacity. They are not using the funds they already have wisely. They do not need more debt. They need more intellectual capacity.
The money the Muhammadu Buhari administration wants to borrow to fund its Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) could be acquired without sinking the nation into further debt. All it requires is visionary leadership and business acumen.

In my economic blueprint, I said that rather than turn in regular losses (which it has consistently been doing), the best thing to do with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation is to reform it. Of course, the administration’s paid propagandists went into overdrive, accusing me of planning to sell the NNPC to my friends. But just last week, Saudi Arabia’s ARAMCO, the most profitable company in the world, took that route and almost broke the global stock market with the most successful initial IPOs in world history, bar none. Ironically, Saudi Aramco raised $29.4 billion via this IPO. Just the amount this administration wants to borrow.

That could have been Nigeria’s story, but for our failure of leadership. By reforming the NNPC, Nigeria can raise the $29.6 billion the Buhari regime wants to borrow, and we will raise the money without going into debt.

If we had taken that route, not only would we have attracted Foreign Direct Investment into Nigeria, but even better than investment, we would have attracted confidence in our economy, because it would have shown that we have a thinking leadership.

Take the example of the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas company. This is a joint venture between the Nigeria government and the private sector. Yet, while the NLNG declares very handsome profits, in billions of dollars every year, the NNPC declares loses! This is proof that the NLNG model works, and the NNPC model does not.

Moody’s, the world’s preeminent rating agency, has just downgraded Nigeria. Ghana, a nation with only 15% of our population, now attracts more Foreign Direct Investment than Nigeria, and Rwanda, a country with less than 15% of our mineral endowment, has an economy that is growing at twice the rate of our economy. The problem is not revenue. The challenge is not Nigerians. The issue is leadership.
While there is scant information in the Medium Term Expenditure Framework for what the loan would be used for, I could not help but read a communication from the Presidency to the effect that one of such projects would be the digitalisation of the Nigerian Television Authority and other similar projects.

Spending revenue on such projects would be foolish, but spending loans in such a manner is nothing short of foolhardy. The Nigerian government does not have a good record of running businesses, and a public television network is unlikely to yield the type of income that would justify taking out loans to digitalise it. Besides, is that a priority, when we have 12 million children out of school? Like I said, capacity, not revenue, is the problem.

And in proof of this, I offer the example of how this administration took delivery of $322 million Abacha loot in 2018 and claimed it shared it out to poor Nigerians, only to obtain a $328 million loan from China, allegedly for ICT development the very next month. How do you share out $322 million and then borrow $328 million? Who does that? At the risk of repeating myself, it is clear that no amount of money, whether from revenue or borrowings, will be enough for an administration that lacks capacity.

So, what must Nigeria do now? Rather than profligate borrowing, what Nigeria needs to do is restore investor confidence in our economy. Key to that is respecting the independence of key institutions, such as the Judiciary and the Central Bank of Nigeria. Both of these institutions are now the captives of Buhari and his cabal, and though they are loathe to admit it, they cannot take one step without watching their backs.

Why are foreign investors leaving Nigeria for Ghana? The answer is that Ghana, unlike Nigeria, has learnt how to divorce key institutions from politics. The Ghanaian central bank enjoys a degree of independence that our own CBN can only dream of under the prevailing atmosphere. You will not hear Ghana’s leaders give flippant interviews overseas about their plans for the cedi, as Buhari has done in Europe about the Naira. It rang alarm bells because it is not the job of the executive to interfere in the role of the reserve bank.

Neither will you find Ghana’s leaders blatantly intimidating the judiciary by obviously setting up judges and invading courtrooms. Why would any investor come to Nigeria under such prevailing circumstances? Their thought would be that if they had industrial disputes, our courts, under this administration, could not be counted on to deliver impartial justice.

I was part of a team that paid off Nigeria’s entire foreign debt. I, therefore, cannot sit and watch an administration without vision squander our children’s future by taking and wasting loans that they do not even have the capacity to utilise properly.

Thank God for leaked memos that have exposed the lies this regime has told Nigerians about unprecedented revenues in the Federal Inland Revenue Service and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation. Now, we know that Nigeria is not poor because she is not making enough money. The truth is that Nigeria is poor because she is not making the right leadership decisions.

Thomas Jefferson said, “to preserve our independence, we must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt.” Dear citizens of our beloved nation, this is a call to heed.

President Olusegun Obasanjo and I paid off this nation’s debt, and I will not stand idly by and watch while Nigeria is plunged into second slavery by those who only know how to reap where they have not sown.

Our youth must have something better to inherit from us than unsustainable debt fuelled by insatiable greed. That is why I call on the Senate of the National Assembly to show loyalty to Nigeria and reconsider its decision with regards to approving Buhari’s $29.6 billion loan request.

We need to pay heed to Benjamin Franklin’s advise that “he that goes a borrowing goes a sorrowing”. I call on Nigeria’s youth to identify the Senator representing their senatorial zones and write to them, urging them to vote against this request. Do this, because it is you and your children that will pay back these loans that would be squandered by this ravenous cabal who do not have the word enough in their vocabulary.

Progressive Ambassadors Of Niger Delta Sets To Hold Her Maiden Symposium/Almanac Launching On 28th Dec, At Bomadi

Progressive Ambassadors Of Niger Delta Sets To Hold Her Maiden Symposium/Almanac Launching On 28th Dec, At Bomadi

Francis Tayor

Warri____ A Niger Delta based social cultural and political association known as the Progressive Ambassadors of Niger Delta (PAND) has finished plans to hold her maiden symposium/launching of almanac slated for 28th December, 2019 at NPA playground Bomadi, the headquarters of Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State.

The event which is scheduled for both day and night, whereby humanitarian services will take place during the day. While Award presentation/launching of almanac will kick off by 3:00pm till done. Music to be supplied by Evinson John, aka the Young Prince. Other artist includes; Classic and Stylist Okpokuapran, Star Boys and other side attractions.

Meanwhile, on that day, a lecture would be delivered at the occasion by a renowned broadcaster and illustrious son of ljaw nation, Mr. Victor Ebipade Ayabotu, in accordance with the Theme of the Programme: " Peaceful Co-Existence As A Panacea For Development ln The Niger Delta", (Ijaw Nation as a Case Study.)

According to the President of the association, Comrade Ganagana Theophilus Tamarauebi stated that, the association will embark on some charity works, as well as youth empowerment programmes on that day. He noted that PAND is a social cultural and political association with the aims of advocating for peaceful coexistence, good governance and sustainable development in the Niger Delta region. The statement further adds that, the association was formed by selected youths cut across the nine States of Niger Delta, South-South Nigeria.

However, it will interest the you to note that the occasion is billed for under the distinguished chairmanship of
Hon. Combolus Ekisah,
Vice Chairman Burutu Local Government Council. While Hon. Ogbo Afesuku, SA to the Governor of Bayelsa State will be the Vice Chairman of the day.

Meanwhile, Comrade. Loveth Timothy, IYC Woman Leader Western Zone will be the Chairlady. While Chief (Mrs.) Awini, alias Bomadi Mama is the Mother of the day.

Spiritual Father of the Day is His Lordship, Bishop Hycinth Egbebo (Bishop Bomadi Diocese). While HRM. Godspower Oporomor, the Pere of Kerebiri Mein Kingdom will be the Royal Father of the Day

Special Guest of Honour,
Hon.(Mrs) Biripu, Vice Chairperson Bomadi L.G.A. Oweilaemi Pereotubo (Esq.), President Ijaw Youth Council, IYC Worldwide.

Chief Launcher:  Hon. (Amb) Gen. Preye Ekpebide, SSA to Delta State Governor on Security.

Chief Awardee/Grand Patron: Hon. William Angadi, Executive Chairman Bomadi L.G.A, Delta State.

Patron/Awardee: Hon. Etukeyei Gbenekepreye, Member Delta State Water ways/Land Security Committee

Legal Adviser/Awardee: Barr. Ganagana Ebanor, Principal Counsel Maria & Ololokeme Chambers.

Chief Host: Hon. Henry Gomeromo, Chairman Bomadi Federated Community.

Host: Comr. Ganagana Theophilus Tamarauebi (President) and
Comr. Nicholas Akiama Okpai (Speaker).

The general public is hereby specially invited to come and grace this historic event, noting that there shall be a lot of fanfare, food and assorted drinks for the merriment of all participants at the occasion.

2019 Ijaw/Itsekiri Peace And Unity Cup LOC Dissolved, As Mulade Kindly Showers Gratitude To Committee Members, Media Personnel, Others

2019 Ijaw/Itsekiri Peace And Unity Cup LOC Dissolved, As Mulade Kindly Showers Gratitude To Committee Members, Media Personnel, Others

Francis Tayor

Warri_____ As the second edition of ljaw/Itsekiri Peace and Unity Cup, also known as Comrade Sheriff Mulade Peace and Unity football tournament came to an end, the sponsor of the competition, Amb. Mulade Sheriff has officially dissolved the Local Organizing Committee LOC, yesterday 16th December, 2019 at CEPEJ headquarters Ugolo, Osubi near warri.

Comrade Mulade also showers gratitude in kind and money to all those who work hard during the competition, especially the Local Organizing Committee, as well as the media team for their commitment towards the successful hosting of the 2019 second edition of the tournament.

Speaking at the meeting, Amb. Mulade thank everyone present at the meeting. He further charged the Ijaws and  Itsekiris to always Work together as plans for the 3rd edition will commence soon ahead of 2020. He advocate the need for all stake holders to work together for sustainable peace and unity in Delta State, adding that the Tournament are planned to enhance and encourage harmonious relationship between the various ethnic groups in Warri and its environs.

Amb. Mulade stated that the committee led by Hon. Ken Nwobocha work assiduously for the success of the tournament from the beginning to the end. He appealed to everyone who live in Warri to support ventures that encourage peaceful coexistence and create enabling environment to attract development.

He specifically thanked the LOC Chairman, Hon. Ken Nwobocha, Azuke Chiemeka of Delta Broadcasting Service DBS for giving edifying professional publicity during the reportage of the program. He also appreciated the media Houses, Gbaramatu Voice, FocalPoint Reports, the Liberator, Niger Delta Mirror, Egbema Voice and others for the coverage of the games.

He noted that the next edition will commence in Warri North Local government Area, adding that the entire Ijaw and Itsekiris in Warri should feel the impacts of the friendly football tournaments.

In his response, Mr. Azuka Chiemeka who spoke on behalf of the LOC thank Comrade Mulade for his kind gesture towards humanity. He further encouraged Mulade not to be discouraged in the good work he is doing, stressing that God in his infinite mercy will continue to bless him financially, the statement adds.

POWER OUTAGE: WE'LL SHUTDOWN NGC OPERATIONS IN GBARAMATU, SPOKESMAN, GBENEKAMA DECLARES

POWER OUTAGE: WE'LL SHUTDOWN NGC OPERATIONS IN GBARAMATU, SPOKESMAN, GBENEKAMA DECLARES

*GIVES NGC 3-DAYS ULTIMATUM TO RESTORE POWER TO AFFECTED COMMUNITIES



The people of  Azama, Enikorogha, Tebujor and Opuedebubor communities under  Gbaramatu Kingdom in Warri South-West Local Government Area, Delta State have threatened shutting down operations of Nigeria Gas Company, NGC in their area, adding that if NGC does not restore power outage that have affected the communities for the past 10 months the shutting down will be no going back.


Speaking on behalf of the Four affected  communities, spokesman (FIYEWEI) of GBARAMATU KINGDOM, Chief Godspwer Gbenekama, JP quipped that NGC  gave  generator to Azama/Enikorogha and Tebujor/Opuedebubor communities with intent of supplying diesel to power the generators but have refused supplying diesel to power the generators after 10 months despite the generators being in good conditions at the various communities.

He pointed out that NGC had assured that they will construct a gas turbine to supply electricity  before the Yuletide season but could not do so, noting that the people are suffering being in darkness and subjected to pains and  oppression by NGC.

The Gbaramatu spokesman (FIYEWEI) expressed dismay over the treatment given to their youths for protesting earlier,  saying that the youths  were almost shot at by security personnel at NGC location where pipelines repairs were being effected by NGC, according to him it could have resulted into a serious crisis if not for the prompt intervention from leaders of the Kingdom the youths had threatened to stop the repair  work if the communities light was not restored by NGC.

He disclosed that the communities chairmen have written several letters to appeal to the company to do  something urgent but no attention was given by  their correspondences to Nigeria Gas Company, NGC hence the next looming action is to "shutdown and destabilize  NGC  if they do not restore light to these  affected communities". He added.


Chief Gbenekama on behalf of the communities however handed down 3-days ultimatum to  NGC to restore electricity  by supplying diesel to power the affected communities generators neglected by Nigeria Gas Company during the Christmas season or prepare to enjoy total shutdown of all their operations in that area.

DG National Orientation Agency, Dr. Garba Commends CEPEJ For Its Peace Building Initiative Across Nigeria, Calls for Greater Collaboration to Sustain National Values

DG National Orientation Agency, Dr. Garba Commends CEPEJ For Its Peace Building Initiative Across Nigeria, Calls for Greater Collaboration to Sustain National Values

Francis Tayor

Abuja____ The Director General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Dr Abari Garba has commended the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice, CEPEJ, for its peace building initiatives in Nigeria and other parts of Africa.

Dr. Garba gave the commendation in Abuja when he played host to a team of CEPEJ officials, led by the National Coordinator, Comrade Sheriff Mulade who paid him a courtesy visit in his office.

The NOA Director General said CEPEJ activities were not new to the Agency, especially its peace building efforts across the nation. He however expressed the Agency's concern about the challenges of cattle rustling and armed banditry, the incidences of which he said had reduced though there were still flashpoints here and there.

While stressing the need to de-radicalize and reintegrate insurgents into the larger society, Dr. Garba promised that the NOA would deepen its partnership with organisations such as CEPEJ to reach out to Nigerians in the following areas:

1. Advocacy, sensitization and capacity building.

2. Environmental sustainability.

3. Protection of human rights and promotion of good governance.

Earlier, the National Coordinator of CEPEJ, Comrade Mulade Sheriff thanked the Director General and his Directors for hosting the NGO in spite of their tight schedules. He said the purpose of the visit was to cement the NGO's relationship with the Agency and identify areas of partnership ahead of 2020, as well as strengthen bonds particularly in areas of Peace building and good governance.

A presentation on CEPEJ’s activities was done by CEPEJ's  Programmes Manager, Abuja Office, Mrs Nafisat Amadu Abdulmalik who highlighted possible areas of engagement.

She identified some key components of CEPEJ’'s programmes such as Peace building, capacity building and other empowerment programmes, peace and unity quiz and essay competitions, the nonviolence philosophy, educational approach, advocacy for environmental sustainability, peace and unity football tournament, also known as Comrade Sheriff Mulade Peace and Unity Football Cup which is building bonds between Ijaw and Itsekiri in Delta State.

This he said had yielded positive outcomes as community leaders, women and youths of the two ethnic groups could come together in the spirit of sportsmanship.

The CEPEJ team then requested NOA to allow the NGO leverage on the experience and expertise of the Agency, as partners in a project being proposed to the Federal Ministry of Interior towards addressing drug abuse in correctional centres and schools through good governance and security education, considering the rising spate of kidnapping in Nigeria's
educational institutions.

However, Dr. Abari expressly accepted the request and approved collaboration between NOA and CEPEJ.

Amb. Arerebo Urges Nigerian Judiciary To Always Be A Defender Of The Oppressed, As IIA Honours Barr. Obiri Ebilade, Prince Clem Omotoye And Obiri Jonathan As They Are Call To Bar As Solicitors

Amb. Arerebo Urges Nigerian Judiciary To Always Be A Defender Of The Oppressed, As IIA Honours Barr. Obiri Ebilade, Prince Clem Omotoye And Obiri Jonathan As They Are Call To Bar As Solicitors

Francis Tayor

Warri____ The National Coordinator of ljaw lnterest Advocate llA, lzanzan Intellectual Camp, Amb. Yerinmene Arerebo Salaco Jnr, has urged Nigeria Judiciary system to always be a defender of the common man in the street, noting that the court is the last hope and saviour of the oppressed in the society.

Amb. Arerebo give the charge yesterday 11th December, 2019 in Warri, during the occasion of Mini Reception organized by ljaw lnterest Advocate (IIA), in honour of their brothers, Obiri Ebilade (Esq.), Obiri Wenebokefe Jonathan (Esq.) and Prince Clement Omotoye (Esq.) as the trio successfully pass out from the Nigeria Law School, as well as their subsequent call to the Nigerian Bar as Barristers and Solicitors of the supreme court of Nigeria in November this year.

In his opening speech at the occasion, Arerebo said; " It is with the greatest sense of joy that I welcome you all to this epoch making honorary event on behalf of the forever dogged lieutenants of IIA; Izanzan Intellectual Camp. Despite the urgent and impromptu nature of the invitation, you all suspended your very pertinent activities of the day to grant us your presence. We are indeed grateful.

We resolved to set aside this day, to surprise as well as to encourage our dear brothers, friends and newly called Ministers in the Temple of Justice, Obiri Wenebokefe Jonathan Esq, Obiri Ebilade Esq and Prince Clem Omotoye Esq with a Mini Reception for making us proud in the Nigeria Law School.

We are knowledgeable of the fact that, they will never disappoint us regardless of any circumstance they find themselves. As great scholars known for hardwork and diligence, we are very hopeful that they will excel in this profession."

According to him; " We are very confident that even before ascertaining the status of ministers in the temple of justice they have always exhibited admirable sense of objectivity and had placed the rule of law over and above arbitrary and discretionary powers.

We highly trust and believe that they will never compromise their conscience for any reason whatsoever. The defenceless and oppressed will find hope and succour and above all the Nigeria judicial system will enjoy its untainted sanctity with the likes of them.

Even as we congratulate them, we are strongly imploring them to be wide-awake and see themselves as defenders of the oppressed people of Ijaw Nation, Itsekiri Nation and Niger Delta at large while we assure them our persistent thoughts and prayers, he stated."

However, he went further to acknowledge and thank the unquantifiable support of a very great leader that always want to see that young people with Intellectual prowess grow to ascertain their necessity places in the contemporary society by encouraging them morally, educationally and otherwise, Hon. Tito Zuokumor. We say thank you sir.

And indeed the huge support by Senator James Manager, Member Representing Delta South Senatorial District, Rt. Hon Julius Pondi, Member Representing the good People of Burutu Federal Constituency, Barr. Oweilaemi Pereotubo, President IYC, Worldwide, Chief Mr/Mrs Biniebimiekumor Ekomieyefa, Amb. Alapala Anthony Ebitonmo, Hon. James T. Edoukumo, Prince Promise Lawuru and host of others cannot be overemphasize. We are highly grateful.

As I end this speech, I encourage all of us to be steadfast and put more synergy in what we know how to do best to always promote development, unity and harmonious societal co-existence.

Once again I welcome you all to the gathering of celebration of educational success, the statement adds.

Delta NUJ Press Week, Okowa's Aide Daniel Ezekiel Charges Media Practitioners To Be Objective In Reportage, Presents Computer Set To NUJ Asaba

Delta NUJ Press Week, Okowa's Aide Daniel Ezekiel Charges Media Practitioners To Be Objective In Reportage, Presents Computer Set To NUJ Asaba

Francis Tayor

Asaba_____ The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Delta State on Security Matters, Comrade Daniel Ezekiel has charged the media to always abide in the ethics of journalism, stressing that let objectivity be the watch word of the press because the media is the fourth estate of the realm that is the saviour of the society.

Comrade Ezekiel give the charge yesterday 11th December, 2019 at the occasion of Delta NUJ Press week in Asaba, noted that the media has history of being at the forefront of bodies that fought for the democracy we all are enjoying today. He said the likes of late Dele Giwa and several others paid the supreme price, hence it is important for the media to keep alive the sacrifices of their past heroes, and never allows objectivity to depart from their horizon.

In his words, he said; " As Nigerian media marks its week, l honestly urge the practitioners to keep the ethos, guarding principle and all that makes fourth estate of the realm the Savior of the society alive. The media has history of being at the forefront of  bodies that fought for the democracy we all enjoys today, with the likes of Dele Giwa and several others paying the supreme price. Not forgetting media houses like Punch, Guardian and   Vanguard Newspapers shut down in that epic battle by successive military junta. In all these tribulations and trials, the media remained unwaved, which eventually brought victory song. This spirit is what l urge the media to keep alive, and never allow objectivity to depart from their horizon."

According to him;  these were comrade Ezekiel Daniel words of admonition to full house of press men today in Asaba, Delta state capital. " Three months ago, when SSA visited the Secretariat on a courtesy visit in seeking  support for the administration of our listening Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, especially in the area of keeping the state safe for Deltans. The Chairman of the union, Mr. Mike pleaded with my office to bail out the union with computer to ease their work, which comrade Ezekiel Daniel promised then to provide at the right time. A philosopher once said that a man word should be his bound, this SSA demonstrated today when he walked his talk by providing a full set of computer to the Nigerian Union of journalists members in their Asaba  Secretariat, which brought a resounding scout of joy among all and sundry present, he stated."

In his reaction, the Chairman of NUJ, Mr. Mike who was visibly happy made it known that this is the first time a political appointee since he assumed office as NUJ Chairman will be  showing them this kind of gesture that will for ever remain memorable in the calendar of the union. He went further to pray for comrade Ezekiel Daniel that God will elevate him to more higher position for the betterment of  the people of the state. The chairman went further by saying that SSA performance within his   4months of being in office across the state is visible to all, and he can imagine what SSA will do if given higher and more responsibility, taken into account how he has been able to dazzles all with this little position, Mike concluded.